CDC: Salmonella from raw turkey reported in Tennessee, urges public to cook safely

Most people take precautions to avoid contracting salmonella poisoning from raw chicken, but there are other foods that are surprisingly more likely to harbor the harmful bacteria. Leafy green vegetables such as lettuce, kale, and spinach are actually the biggest carriers of salmonella. According to the FDA, eggs, even clean, uncracked ones, can contain salmonella with "79,000 cases of foodborne illness and 30 deaths each year caused by eating eggs contaminated with Salmonella." Sprouts, melons, and raw milk are other foods that commonly carry the bacteria as well.
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Thanksgiving turkey is a time honored tradition — but the CDC warns of Salmonella in some turkeys this year.(Photo: Getty Images)

How do I avoid Salmonella in turkey?

Wash your hands. Salmonella infections can spread from one person to another. Wash hands before and after preparing or eating food, after contact with animals and after using the restroom or changing diapers.

Cook raw turkey thoroughly to kill harmful germs. Turkey breasts, whole turkeys and ground poultry, including turkey burgers, casseroles and sausage, should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill harmful germs. Leftovers should be reheated to 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check, and place it in the thickest part of the food.

Don’t spread germs from raw turkey around food preparation areas. Washing raw poultry before cooking is not recommended. Germs in raw poultry juices can spread to other areas and foods. Thoroughly wash hands, counters, cutting boards and utensils with warm, soapy water after they touch raw turkey. Use a separate cutting board for raw turkey and other raw meats if possible.

Thaw turkey in the refrigerator, in a sink of cold water that is changed every 30 minutes, or in the microwave. Never thaw your turkey by leaving it out on the counter.

CDC does not recommend feeding raw diets to pets. Germs like Salmonella in raw pet food can make your pets sick. Your family also can get sick by handling the raw food or by taking care of your pet.

What are symptoms of Salmonella?

Young children and the elderly, as well as those with compromised immune systems, are most at risk.

The majority of infected people will suffer from diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which develop 12 to 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria.

The illness can last up to a week, and most people recover without treatment, the CDC reports.

If the diarrhea becomes severe, a patient may need to be hospitalized, and in some rare cases, Salmonella infection can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

Reach Mariah Timms at mtimms@tennessean.com or 615-259-8344 and on Twitter @MariahTimms.